World Debut at the 2011 ESSEN MOTOR SHOW: The BRABUS Tuning Program for the new Mercedes-Benz M-Class

Exclusive, individual and ecofriendly strong in compliance with EURO VI emission standards: these three attributes best describe the latest BRABUS tuning program for the new Mercedes W 166-series M-Class. From a visual standpoint the SUV receives an upgrade with a sporty yet elegant aerodynamic-enhancement program and custom-tailored BRABUS Monoblock wheels with diameters of up to 22 inches. The program also includes engine tuning for the ML 350 BlueTEC 4MATIC that is as powerful as it is ecofriendly. Further on offer are stainless-steel sport exhaust systems for all models and striking interior designs including an all-leather interior in any desired color. BRABUS backs all components with the one-of-a-kind BRABUS Tuning Warranty® of three years, up to 100,000 kilometers/62,000 miles.

To give the new M-Class a more customized and exclusive look BRABUS offers an innovative and striking appearance package. The front bumper of the sport version can receive some added profile with the BRABUS ‘On Road’ front spoiler and attachments for the air inlets in the front fascia.

To give the new 4x4 seemingly a longer, sleeker stance the BRABUS designers have developed new sill skirts. They combine elegant design with a safety feature: entrance lights integrated into the underside are activated by pulling on a door handle or by pushing the unlock button on the keyless remote. This also activates the BRABUS logo optionally integrated into the sill skirts and the BRABUS lettering in the fender attachments that are a new development as well.

The rear end of the M-Class is upgraded with the BRABUS ‘On Road’ rear fascia that is available in two versions. Depending on the type of engine the rear fascia comes with a cutout on the left or with a cutout on either side to provide the perfect backdrop for the BRABUS dual or quad sport exhaust system. A BRABUS rear spoiler that attaches to the liftgate will be available in the near future. The entire appearance package is manufactured in OEM quality from high-grade Pur-R-Rim plastics.

The exclusive looks are also characterized by the custom-tailored BRABUS Monoblock wheels with diameters ranging from 18 to 22 inches. The largest version BRABUS offers for the new M-Class features king-size 10Jx22 wheels. The cast wheels are available in three different designs as Monoblock VI, E and Q wheels. As an alternative BRABUS offers the Monoblock G "Platinum Edition" forged wheels in the same size. State-of-the-art forging technology makes these wheels with five double spokes the perfect symbiosis of low weight and maximum strength. BRABUS technology partners Continental, Pirelli or YOKOHAMA supply suitable high-performance tires up to size 295/30 ZR 22 front and back for all BRABUS wheels.

The BRABUS suspension components, developed in cooperation with BILSTEIN, are specifically calibrated to this tire/wheel combination. For vehicles with conventional steel suspension BRABUS offers a choice of sport springs for a ride-height lowering by some 30 millimeters (1.2 inches) or a sporty yet comfortable sport suspension. For M-Class vehicles with AIRMATIC air suspension the BRABUS suspension engineers have developed a custom control module that lowers the ride height of the SUV by some 30 – 40 millimeters (1.2 – 1.6 inches).

For further optimizing the off roader’s already impressive active safety BRABUS offers a high-performance brake system. The front axle combines six-piston fixed aluminum calipers with vented and cross-drilled discs measuring 405 x 34 millimeters (16 x 1.3 inches). Together with four-piston fixed aluminum calipers and brake discs measuring 380 x 28 mm (15 x 1.1 inches) on the rear axle the brake system provides stopping power normally reserved for purebred sports cars. The BRABUS system also delivers maximum fade-free endurance.
BRABUS offers the world’s most extensive program of engine tuning for Mercedes-Benz automobiles and so it is no wonder that the program was also adapted to the new M-Class. For the V6 common-rail turbodiesel engine of the ML 350 BlueTEC 4MATIC the BRABUS engine specialists have developed the BRABUS ECO PowerXtra D6S performance kit that falls into the same EURO VI emissions class as the production car.

The engineers developed the BRABUS ECO PowerXtra D6S module for the direct-injection engine in the BRABUS engine development department using state-of-the-art test bench technology and a cutting-edge emissions lab. The plug-and-play auxiliary control unit is integrated into the CAN bus of the SUV. The BRABUS mapping was calibrated specifically to the ecofriendly BlueTEC concept that uses AdBlue® reactant to purify exhaust gases.

The BRABUS ECO PowerXtra D6S performance kit bumps peak torque from standard 620 Nm to 690 Nm (457 to 509 lb-ft), available on a plateau between 1,600 and 2,400 rpm. At the same time maximum power output jumps from 258 hp (254 bhp) / 190 kW to 306 hp (301 bhp) / 225 kW at just 3,600 rpm.

Performance with BRABUS D6S tuning improves enormously: with a sprint time of just 6.0 seconds the SUV takes exactly 1.4 seconds less for the sprint from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) than the production car. Top speed increases to 229 km/h (142 mph).

Further BRABUS engine tuning versions for the other engines of the M-Class are in the final stages of development. All BRABUS engines are lubricated exclusively with ARAL high-performance motor oil. Custom-calibrated stainless-steel sport exhaust systems with two or four distinctive BRABUS tailpipes are available for all M-Class engines.

Yet another particular BRABUS specialty are exclusive interior options for the new M-Class: bi-color stainless-steel scuff plates with backlit BRABUS logo as well as matte-anodized aluminum pedals, door-lock pins and foot rest are part of the refinement repertoire as are exclusive BRABUS interiors masterfully crafted from a combination of the finest Mastik leather and Alcantara. In addition, there are exotic-wood and carbon-fiber trim sets in any desired color and with a variety of surfaces from open-pored and matte to high-gloss finishes.